The World Thalassaemia Day (WTD) is observed every year on May 8 to spread awareness about this deadly disease and the importance of blood donation and how it helps the millions of people suffering from Thalassemia worldwide. Thalassemia is genetic blood disorders characterised by reduction in the synthesis or absence of haemoglobin in the body. According to a WHO report, more than 90% patients with thalassaemia in western countries lead a normal life, whereas in India, roughly half of all patients die before reaching adulthood. Approx 3.9% of India’s population is a carrier for thalassemia. The 2017 theme ‘Together for Humanity’ highlights the need for unity and the efforts that are required to fight this fatal disease.

World Soil Day 2017 is celebrated on 5 December under the theme "Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground," with activities aiming to communicate messages on the importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being.Soils not only produce 95% of the food we consume, they also have a huge potential for taking carbon from the atmosphere and offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping the soil healthy can bring a multitude of gains, from food security to sustainable livelihoods and climate benefits.

On October 15, the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Rural Women.This year the theme is 'Sustainable infrastructure, services and social protection for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls.

The National Statistics Day (NSD) is celebrated every year in India on 29th June to create public awareness about importance of statistics in socio-economic planning andpolicy formulation.Note: The 2017 theme is “Administrative Statistics”